China lifts import ban on Australian beef

Cattle farmers can breathe a sigh of relief after China lifted an import ban on Australian beef which lasted several months.

China's quarantine agency imposed the ban in late July after discovering labels on some boxes of exported beef didn't match packet labels inside.

Officials said it was largely "human error" that led to labels on certain batches not matching the label on the cryovac produce inside. Trade Minister Steve Ciobo said he was delighted to be told by Chinese authorities that the Australian businesses affected can resume exporting.

"I am grateful for Chinese authorities who worked alongside us to get us back on track," Ciobo told the Nine Network on Tuesday.

"This is terrific news for the six affected facilities, great news for their workers and suppliers."

According to Meat and Livestock Australia, in 2016 Australia exported 94,040 tonnes of beef worth more than $670 million to China, making it one of the largest consumers of Australian produce.

The import ban affected five prominent Australian abattoirs, which make up approximately 30 percent of Australia's beef exports. The damage bill to the affected businesses for the 2-month ban is expected to be as high as $1 million.